Doha hosted a critical discussion at the Doha Forum 2024 focusing on the vital link between sports and human rights. International experts and policymakers convened to address issues of athlete welfare, worker rights related to major sporting events, and ensuring inclusive participation for all, including vulnerable populations. The session demonstrated a growing global consensus on the need for robust protections within the world of sports.
The forum, held this week, specifically explored “A Level Playing Field: Advancing Human Rights Across the World of Sport.” Discussions centered on leveraging the influence of sports to promote equality, transparency, and accountability, particularly as preparations accelerate for future large-scale competitions. Participants highlighted both the opportunities and challenges inherent in using sports as a catalyst for positive social change.
The Growing Intersection of Sports and Human Rights
The call for increased attention to sports and human rights is not new, but momentum has grown in recent years, fueled by concerns surrounding worker conditions during the construction of facilities for events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), these concerns prompted a reassessment of labor standards and safeguards within the sporting industry. The discussion in Doha built upon that existing framework.
Francesco D’Ovidio, Director of the ILO office in Doha, emphasized the necessity for globally recognized standards to protect all involved in sports, from professional athletes to those working behind the scenes. These standards, he asserted, must actively address discrimination, harassment, and ensure safe working conditions.
Athlete Welfare and Inclusive Participation
Serri ‘Sura’ Mahmood, Sports Lead at the UN Human Rights Office, broadened the scope of the discussion, noting that the right to participate in sports is intrinsically linked to the right to cultural life. This means fostering environments free of discrimination for both athletes and fans, as well as empowering them with a stronger voice in the governance of sports organizations.
Mahmoud Qutub, Executive Director of Worker Welfare at Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, stressed that mega-sporting events present a singular opportunity to weave human rights into every phase of project delivery. He highlighted the importance of transparent reporting and establishing verifiable, sustainable improvements in worker welfare practices.
The need to protect vulnerable groups within the sporting landscape was also a key theme. Sultana Afdhal, CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), underscored the critical importance of accessible facilities and inclusive systems for children and individuals with disabilities. These accommodations aim to bolster their participation, confidence, and overall mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding and Psychological Safety
Claudia Villa-Hughes, Head of Safeguarding at the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, brought attention to the often-overlooked issue of psychological safety in sports. She emphasized that safeguarding measures must be rights-based and inclusive, proactively addressing potential trauma and protecting children from exploitation and abuse, particularly during major events.
However, implementing these standards poses significant challenges. Varying legal frameworks across nations, the complex governance structures of international sporting federations, and the sheer scale of logistics involved in hosting major events can hinder progress. The discussions acknowledged the need for greater collaboration between governments, sporting bodies, and international organizations to overcome these obstacles.
The session at Doha Forum 2024 served as an important platform for consolidating a global movement towards greater responsibility in sports. It showcased Qatar’s ongoing commitment to implementing labor reforms following the 2022 World Cup and its willingness to lead conversations regarding human rights. Related fields like sports governance and athlete advocacy also saw increased attention.
Looking ahead, the forum anticipates publishing a summary report of the key discussion points and recommendations by the end of the year. The effectiveness of these recommendations will depend on the willingness of stakeholders to translate commitments into concrete action and establish robust monitoring mechanisms. Further developments in international sporting regulations and national legislation related to worker rights and athlete protection will be crucial to watch in the coming months.